This Week’s Tech Highlights:
- Pentagon Funding on Dual-Use Tech Investments: The DOD is optimistic about continued funding for dual-use technologies like microelectronics, additive manufacturing, and materials development into the new administration
- White House Gives Update on Securing Supply Chain: Recently released Quadrennial Supply Chain Review highlights resilience gains and new investments across critical sectors
Tech Sector News:
- Quantum: NSF launches six quantum pilot projects with $1M each to accelerate quantum technology development
- Microelectronics: DOE unites 10 National Labs with SMART USA to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
- Batteries: DOE grants a $9.6B Loan to BlueOval SK for U.S. Battery Manufacturing
- National Security Tech: DHS REDOPS Program conducts joint bomb threat exercises with transit police and bomb squads
- Cybersecurity: CISA releases revised plan for cyber threat coordination and response
- Decarbonization: DOE commits $54M to expand carbon capture and CO2 transport infrastructure.
- Advanced Energy: DOE investing in supply chains for advanced nuclear energy production
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GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Defense Officials Hopeful Incoming Administration Keeps Funding Cutting-Edge Tech
Defense officials are optimistic for the next administration about funding for dual-use technologies like microelectronics, additive manufacturing, and materials development. These efforts aim to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and national security, especially in competition with China. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is helping connect commercial tech companies with defense needs, and initiatives like Blue Manufacturing are accelerating additive manufacturing and supply chain solutions.
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White House Marks Progress on Strengthening America’s Supply Chains
The White House released its first Quadrennial Supply Chain Review, highlighting efforts to strengthen critical supply chains over four years. Achievements include addressing disruptions, investing in infrastructure, supporting domestic manufacturing, and mitigating unfair trade practices. Additional actions target energy, critical minerals, agriculture, medical products, semiconductors, and transportation. The review emphasizes public-private partnerships, workforce development, and global collaborations to enhance resilience and competitiveness across key industries and emerging technologies.
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In Fifth Year, Space Force Commander Details Service’s Stellar Accomplishments
The U.S. Space Force is celebrating its fifth anniversary, highlighting significant growth in budget, personnel, and operational capabilities. The service has redefined policies, expanded its focus on space superiority, and established components for combatant commands. It also revamped training programs and introduced a part-time workforce initiative to enhance talent retention and quality of life for its members.
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Analysis: Tech and the Economy Under the Next Trump Administration
The next Trump administration’s plans for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) remain uncertain, with signals pointing toward a leaner but functional agency under proposed leadership by former Senator Kelly Loeffler. While innovation programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative and accelerator funding may remain relevant, proposals suggest curtailing unauthorized SBA initiatives and refocusing support on traditional small businesses. These developments could significantly impact tech-based economic development strategies, with implications for sectors relying on public-private partnerships and federal innovation funding.
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Sandia National Labs Sees Record Number of Cooperative R&D Agreements in 2024
In fiscal year 2024, Sandia National Laboratories saw a significant increase in Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), entering into 72 agreements, the second-highest number in history. These agreements, aimed at advancing technologies like microneedles and quantum photonics, help businesses access Sandia’s expertise and resources. The streamlined process has also accelerated execution, benefiting both local and national economies.
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DOE SOLVE IT Prize Awards $1.5 Million To Communities Driving Clean Energy Projects
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $150,000 each to 10 Phase 2 winners of the Solutions for Lasting, Viable Energy Infrastructure Technologies (SOLVE IT) Prize for developing community-driven clean energy projects. Winning proposals include solar, geothermal, hydropower, and microgrid solutions aimed at enhancing energy resilience, reducing costs, and boosting local economies. Phase 3 will provide grand prizes of $500,000 for project implementation.
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USAID and NREL Help Energy Utilities Secure Island Infrastructure
USAID and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have collaborated with utilities in Latin America and the Caribbean to enhance energy sector resilience, focusing on cybersecurity practices. Their efforts, including the use of the Distributed Energy Resource Cybersecurity Framework (DER-CF), have helped utilities identify vulnerabilities and improve security. The partnership also provided access to platforms for planning resilient, sustainable energy systems.
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PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS
PSF Blog: Counter Drone Technologies to Address Rising Drone Threats In NJ, NY and Beyond
This article is part of Public Spend Forum’s coverage of the counter-drones market, which includes over 300 emerging companies being tracked by PSF Analysts and AI-MI(TM).
Recent mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey and New York, alongside global conflicts demonstrating drones’ lethal potential, underscore the critical need for counter-drone technologies. Authorities have responded by deploying detection systems, proposing legislative actions, and considering international collaboration to enhance public safety and national security.
Here are the technologies and some example companies:
- Counter-Drone Technologies: RF detection, radar, optical/infrared sensors, acoustic sensors, drone interceptors, lasers, jamming/spoofing
- Companies: Apolloshield, Echodyne, D-fend Solutions, Batelle, Epirus, Squarehead Technology, White Fox Defense
Please see more information here.
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TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS
Quantum: Final 6 Pilot Projects Selected for NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched six new pilot projects to advance quantum technologies. These projects, part of the NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory, will explore quantum simulations, networking, computing, and sensing. Each project will receive $1 million to create real-world testbeds and prototypes, furthering the development of secure quantum communications, sensors, and computing systems.
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Microelectronics: U.S. Department of Energy Announces Involvement in $285 Million Award for New CHIPS for America Semiconductor Manufacturing Institute
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans for ten National Labs to join the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA (SMART USA) Institute, focusing on digital twin technology to advance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. This initiative aims to revolutionize chip design, production, and testing, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and train up to 100,000 workers, leveraging expertise from labs, industry, and academia across 30+ states.
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Batteries: DOE Announces $9.63 Billion Loan to BlueOval SK to Further Expand US Manufacturing of Electric Vehicle Batteries
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office announced a $9.63 billion loan to BlueOval SK for building three battery manufacturing plants in Tennessee and Kentucky. These facilities will produce over 120 GWh of EV batteries annually, create 7,500 operational jobs, and strengthen the U.S. EV supply chain while reducing reliance on foreign sources.
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National Security Tech: DHS S&T Works on Bomb Detection Technologies
Philadelphia is preparing for major events, including the World Cup and U.S. Semiquincentennial, with a focus on safety for mass transit and power generation threats. The Science and Technology Directorate’s Response and Defeat Operations Support (REDOPS) program conducted joint exercises with local bomb squads and transit police, enhancing preparedness for bomb threats in complex environments. Feedback has shown these exercises are beneficial for other bomb squads across the U.S.
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Cybersecurity: CISA Lays Out How Agencies, Industry Should Respond to Major Cyber Incidents
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released an updated national cyber incident response plan, marking the first revision since 2016. Developed with input from over 150 experts across government and industry, the plan aims to enhance coordination and response to cyber threats impacting public safety, national security, and critical infrastructure. It emphasizes collaboration with non-federal entities and outlines key decision points for handling cyber incidents.
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Decarbonization: OCED Announces $1.3 Billion in New Funding to Bolster Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for up to $1.3 billion in funding to support the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. The funding will focus on large-scale carbon capture demonstration projects, pilot initiatives, and infrastructure planning to enhance technology deployment, reduce costs, and drive widespread adoption of CCUS solutions.
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Decarbonization: DOE Invests $6 Million to Design an Onshore/Offshore Carbon Dioxide Transport System
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $6M for a project exploring CO2 transport from Texas facilities to offshore storage and up to $48M for studies on regional CO2 transport networks. These efforts aim to expand carbon capture infrastructure, connecting industrial CO2 sources to storage or conversion sites, supporting emissions reduction, job creation, and clean energy advancements.
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Advanced Energy: U.S. Department of Energy Announces $80 Million Available to Support New HALEU Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $80 million in funding to advance technologies for producing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), critical for next-generation nuclear reactors. By addressing technology gaps and supporting innovative approaches, the funding will support demonstration projects and research to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance HALEU production capabilities, ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in clean energy innovation.
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